San Antonio Community Hospital awarded for gynecologic surgeries

UPLAND -- The work by gynecologic surgeons at San Antonio Community Hospital has recently been recognized by an online resource to help patients and their families chose a hospital.

Healthgrades named the hospital one of the top hospitals for gynecologic surgery, after analyzing the patient outcome data of 18 states from 2009 to 2011.

"On the surgeon's side, I think it's very reassuring that the technique and things you have employed are quality work. I think for the community. it lets the community know there is a quality hospital surrounding them and what's available to them," said Dr. Franklin Johnson, an osteopathic physician, an obstetrician gynecologist and chairman of the hospital's Robotics Subcommittee.

The surgeries include procedures on female reproductive systems to treat benign tumors, cancer, infertility, incontinence -- with hysterectomies being the most common procedure.

"The staff works very hard at every part of the surgical process from the time the patient gets scheduled, until the time that they are going home and after, by calling to make sure they are okay and see if they need anything," said Bettina Celifie, registered nurse and director of surgical services at the hospital. "This is really a great confirmation that their efforts are really taking hold."

The hospital also recently received a Woman's Choice award for osteopathic services, adding to the recognition of the work done by the hospital's staff.

"The teams are quickly coordinated and everybody is on the same page with what the guidelines are and to achieve that high quality of patient care," said Celifie. "So I think that it speaks to that process."

Part of the hospital's recognition is attributed to the use of the DaVinci robotic surgery suite at the hospital.